2018 NFL Season Predictions

It’s that time of year again as I have broken out my crystal ball like I do every year in late August to look in to the future and tell you how the 2018 NFL season will play out and what teams will disappoint and what teams will surprise this upcoming season.

Oh yes, my crystal ball never lies…. never!

As things are coming into picture in my crystal ball I see a 2018 NFL season where it will be a tale of two conferences. In the AFC we start to see some new blood begin to step up and change is in the air! In the NFC there are few surprises as the teams that were strong in 2017 continue to be strong in 2018. Also, the once thought to be dead running back position is back from the dead as we have more running backs fighting for MVP awards and rookie of the year honors.

So, without any further fanfare here are my predictions on how the 2018 season will play out and which teams will make the playoffs and who will ultimately be raising the Lombardi trophy when all is said and done.

NY Jets- Future is bright for them with Darnold; 2018 might be miserable though as they don’t have much around him in weapons

Buffalo- They will have a Top 3 pick in the 2019 draft. Might be worst team in the league on paper

AFC North

Pittsburgh – The window is closing, and this might be their last good shot at a ring. Their defense will be improved.

Cincinnati -This is a veteran team that will surprise some people

Baltimore- The team is just there and kind of boring. Has 7-9 written all over them

Cleveland- They still stink, but will win at least 3 games this year

AFC South

Tennessee– If the WR’s can make plays this team will take that next step. I believe in the Titans in 2018

Houston (WILD CARD) – Watson is somewhat overrated but if they can stay healthy on defense they get a wild card spot

Jacksonville – Yes, I have them coming in 3rd place in the South. I don’t trust Bortles, their WR’s stink, and Ramsey talks too much which will motivate their opponents each week. Major step back this year for the Jags

Indianapolis – Team is soft on both sides of the ball. Another team that will be picking in the Top 3 of the 2019 NFL Draft

AFC West

LA Chargers– Everyone is in on the Chargers this year and add me to the list. Lady Luck hasn’t been on their side in recent years in regards to injuries and kickers but that changes this year

Kansas City (WILD CARD)– They have the best roster (outside of QB) in the AFC West; Andy Reid always finds his way to the playoffs

Oakland- Gruden will struggle year one, he’s already complaining about the new rules since he left coaching

Denver- I am not sold on the head coach and I don’t like the pieces on offense

NFC East

Philadelphia– This team is loaded and when Wentz comes back they will only be better

NY Giants- The change at head coach helps them a lot; they must protect Eli this year

Washington- Another team with 7-9 written all over them

Dallas- Dak and Elliott are nice pieces to build around, but they have nothing else on offense. Surprisingly they might have a Top 5 pick in the 2019 Draft

NFC North

Minnesota– Cousins will have a ton of pressure on him but this team is ready for that next step. Great roster top to bottom

Green Bay (WILD CARD)– I like how they have improved the roster, Rodgers contract won’t be a distraction, GB returns to the playoffs

Detroit- Not overly impressed with anything they do, will be interesting to see if someone from the NE coaching tree finds success outside of New England

Chicago- Probably a year away from being competitive

NFC South

New Orleans– Their weapons on offense will overwhelm opponents. Brees knows his career is winding down and this might be his last great shot at a ring

Atlanta (WILD CARD) – Ryan has more weapons than ever, they will be very good in 2018

Carolina- Newton is tough to trust, tough to root for, and tough to understand at times. He is a bit of a jerk. This team is tough to get a feel for

Tampa Bay- Winston is a complete clown and until he matures this team will struggle.

NFC West

LA Rams– Class of this division by a mile. Defense is really good but they will need Goff to continue to improve to ultimately make a deep playoff run

Arizona- I think Rosen plays eventually and I think Rosen will be a superstar

SF- JimmyG comes back to earth in 2018

Seattle- This is a team in total rebuild and it might be a long year for Seattle